| Answers to Frequently Asked Questions 
Had a question about M-CORES that you never asked? Wondering what your neighbors are asking? Well you are not alone. Since the program’s inception, FDOT has been listening and gathering public comments during Task Force meetings, Community Open Houses and through social media, mail and FDOTListens.This list offers answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What is the role of each Task Force? What happens after each corridor task force submits its report?
The Florida Legislature charged each Task Force with providing recommendations and evaluations in a final report by November 15, 2020, which will guide the Florida Department of Transportation in its subsequent study phases through the implementation of high-level needs, guiding principles, and instructions. After the Task Force reports have been submitted, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will then move into the Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) process. During the ACE study, a set of criteria will be established to develop and evaluate each potential corridor for the proposed project. These criteria will be based upon the guiding principles developed by the Task Force, other datasets provided by and discussed with the Task Force, and collaboration with federal, state, and local agency partners. Using this set of criteria, each potential path/course will be evaluated to determine which options should be considered for further study. The corridors will be evaluated for environmental feasibility along with the no-build option. At the end of the ACE study, FDOT will issue a report that identifies which corridor(s), if any, are carried forward for further evaluation in the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study. The no-build option is always recommended for further study. During the PD&E phase, specific options, called “alignments,” for where the proposed project could go within each possible corridor are developed. Throughout the ACE and PD&E processes, public feedback is regularly sought to help FDOT best understand the needs and desires of those within the study area.
How can development of the M-CORES corridors help protect precious wildlife, habitat and other natural resources?
The M-CORES legislation specifically requires the Task Forces to address wildlife habitat, water quality and other environmental concerns. FDOT has released avoidance graphics for each corridor that illustrate where there will be no or limited impact by the proposed corridor. The graphics also show FDOT’s commitment to preserving Florida’s most precious environmental and historical resources. As Task Force members continue to craft guiding principles for developing potential corridor improvements, they are considering potential design features including wildlife crossings and other protections. FDOT also has released graphics which highlight the existing roadways for potential enhancement and where the M-CORES projects could be co-located. Graphics that include the enhancement options are included in the above link. Enhancements could include design elements to prevent wildlife conflicts, connecting and expanding wildlife corridors, connecting and expanding conservation lands, improving water flow and quality, and connecting and expanding multi-use trails.
How much will it cost to build these corridors?
The proposed M-CORES projects are in the early pre-planning stages and Task Forces are still determining needs of each proposed corridor, which will then be used to guide financial and environmental feasibility studies. In accordance with law, no transportation corridor can be built if it does not meet financial or environmental feasibility. Additionally, no paths/courses for the proposed corridors have been determined by the Task Forces at this time. As such, any estimation for a cost for a corridor would be very unreliable at this time as the proposed corridors are yet to be determined.
Is No-Build still an option?
The M-CORES program is unique in that is has a five-phased/stepped approach for project development. Step 1 is the Task Force phase and will continue until November 15. During this phase/step, each Task Force has been charged with crafting a set of Guiding Principles that will be used in developing potential corridors, enhancing existing corridors or taking no actions for some portions of the study area. As the program moves into Phases/Steps 2 and 3, FDOT will issue a report that identifies which, if any, corridor(s) are carried forward for further evaluation in the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study and Design phase. It is during these phases that environmental and financial feasibility are evaluated and the no-build option is considered. Click here to learn more about the M-CORES process.
Where is the road going? Have the locations of the corridors been determined?
No decisions about the roadway locations will be made during Phase/Step 1, the Task Force phase. As the program moves into Phases/Steps 2 and 3, FDOT will issue a report that identifies which, if any, corridor(s) are carried forward for further evaluation in the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study and Design phase. It is during these phases that environmental and financial feasibility are evaluated and the no-build option is considered.
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“I was very glad to see so many folks come out to our Community Open House in Monticello,” said Ryan Asmus, FDOT’s Project Lead for the Suncoast Corridor. “Events like these are great because they allow those interested in the project to ask as many questions as they’d like and get answers directly from the team working on it daily. Jefferson County residents are engaged in the process, and it was wonderful to be able to talk with them and hear their thoughts.”
